Written by Joe Armstrong, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
The new Forest Park Branch Library will open on Saturday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and you’re invited to celebrate with us at the Opening Celebration, opens a new window!
The new building at 660 Northland Blvd, opens a new window. is a Big Next Generation Library; a 26,440-square-foot facility built from the ground up featuring new MakerSpace equipment, spaces to gather and meet, exciting kids space with play equipment, a teen space for studying and gaming, convenient drive-thru, ample parking, and more.
Come at 10 a.m. for the ribbon-cutting, opens a new window and stay for the day, enjoying light refreshments, fun activities, and a brand-new building full of materials, services, and spaces for you to explore. All are welcome!
Schedule of Events
- 10 a.m.: Ribbon Cutting
- 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Cincinnati Art Museum Mobile Art Van
- 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Ed “Sax” Thomas
- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Selfie Station and Wonder Wheel with Library Swag Prizes
- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Coloring in the Kids Area
- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: We Thrive!
- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Gaming in the Teen Space
- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Lawn Games
- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Button Making in the New MakerSpace
- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: LEGO Play
- 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Rockets and Gliders with The STEM Lab
- 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Fat Katz Cuisine Food Truck
- 11:30 a.m.: Storytime
- 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Face Painting
- 12 - 4 p.m.: Art Demo by Black Art Speaks
- 12:30 - 2 p.m.: Live Performance by DJ Monet
- 2 p.m.: Storytime
- 2:30 - 3 m.: Line Dancing with the Metro Cincinnati Dance Association
- 2:30 - 4 p.m.: Snow Cones
Your New Forest Park Branch Library
"Your new Forest Park Branch Library, with its incredible Makerspace, vibrant kids area, multiple meeting and study rooms, and the expanded collection of materials will open a world of creativity and connection for everyone. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things that will come to life here," says Shaun Davidson, Forest Park Branch Library's Senior Branch Manager.
The new building is one of the largest Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library locations, with spacious, engaging areas for all ages inside and outside the building. The new building features services, spaces, and amenities requested by customers, including:
- 26,440 Square Feet of Fully Accessible Space
- More Books, Movies, and Music
- MakerSpace to Get Creative and Support Small Businesses
- Spaces to Gather and Meet
- 2 Large Meeting Rooms with Kitchenettes
- 4 Study Rooms and 2 Study Pods
- Exciting Kids Space with Play Equipment
- Teen Space to Hang Out, Study, and Game
- Quiet Reading Area
- Comfortable Seating with Charging Stations
- Spacious Outdoor Courtyard
- Convenient Drive-Thru
- Ample Parking
Sneak Peek into the Forest Park Branch
While the finishing touches are being made to the building, here's a glimpse into the new building. You can check out all 26,440 square feet of the space at the Opening Celebration, opens a new window!
New Events and Activities at the Forest Park Branch
Dozens of events for all ages are already scheduled at the new Forest Park Branch – including these three customer-favorites.
Library Playdates
Parents and caregivers, bring your children on select Fridays from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. for some exploration and fun! There will be stations for your little ones to explore while they interact with other children. This program focuses on engagement and connection. We hope to see you there! Recommended for families with children up to 6 years old.
Memory Café
Enjoy fun activities and come-as-you-are conversation for those with memory loss, their families, and their caregivers. Make new friends and improve your quality of life in a safe, supportive place where you can share information and your unique experiences. Every third Wednesday of the month from 1-2 p.m. Registration is encouraged.
Family Storytime
Bring the entire family to the new Forest Park Branch every Thursday from 11-11:45 a.m. to enjoy books, songs, and activities, while building literacy skills.
About the Project
The $19.2 million project was made possible through the generous support of Hamilton County as a result of the 1 mill levy that passed in May 2018.
Learn more about the Forest Park Branch Library Relocation and New Build project., opens a new window
What are you most excited about at the new Forest Park Branch Library? Let us know in the comments below!
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